Treliske Health and Wellbeing Centre

The new medical innovation facility is on a site at the edge of the Royal Cornwall Hospital (Treliske) and provides a new three-storey space for offices and workshops with communal facilities.

Sustainable design

It was a customer requirement that the building should accomplish a BREEAM Excellent rating. We achieved this through the use of improved insulation and ventilation, increased water management, as well as the incorporation of renewable energy technologies.

BREEAM excellent

Tackling climate change

We used the project’s photovoltaic panels during the final stages of construction to provide a source of renewable energy for our temporary electrics. This reduced our carbon emissions during the construction of the building.

We were keen to ensure that our team minimised their environmental impact so the site accommodation was monitored to maximise energy efficiency. The entire cabin set-up was installed with sensors and timers to regulate the heating and lighting. At the end of each day, all site power was switched off by a member of our site team.

There was no parking on site so all operatives were encouraged to use other forms of green travel. The local Park and Ride service was very popular but cycling was also promoted with a dedicated on site storage facility. Distances cycled ranged from two to ten miles for each journey.

Operatives cycled to site

Resource Efficiency

From the design stage, waste reduction measures were considered, and we worked with the architect to create a ‘designing out waste plan’. Prefabricated components were selected, which minimised the amount of waste produced on site, and reduced the number of lorry movements. BAMTEC preformed reinforcements were used in the concrete floors, as well as prefabricated riser pods for M&E components.

Our team also organised a consultation with our waste management supplier to help us manage our waste correctly and maximise the amount of materials recycled throughout the project.

Waste diverted from landfill

Biodiversity

During the project we worked closely with ecologists to safeguard local wildlife. Unfortunately some trees at the site needed to be felled for construction but we made it a priority to protect the bird inhabitants. We netted 27 trees during the bird nesting season to eliminate the risk of felling an occupied tree. We also protected local mammals in the area by successfully relocating several badger setts.

27 trees netted during bird nesting season

Sourcing responsibly

We developed a strong working relationship with our neighboring supplier, Minister Insulation. Using this local supplier helped boost the local economy and reduce carbon emissions by decreasing lorry movements. The initiative also allowed us to rapidly proceed during some aspects of construction as the insulation materials were readily available.

Boosted local economy by using a neighbouring supplier

Community Engagement

We developed a relationship with DMT Business Services to provide exciting new opportunities for young people to develop their work skills and get started on a career in construction. DMT trainees visited the site and spoke with members of the site team about the project. We also gave mock interviews and advice for preparation in their future career development.

We provided work experience placements and one student was introduced to Abbey Systems (a suspended ceiling specialists) by our Project Manager. As a result, the student has now secured full time employment with Abbey Systems and has worked with BAM on the project.

An amazing £500 was raised by one of the site managers, by participating in the Taunton Half Marathon, all of which was donated to the Royal Cornwall Hospital Trust Charity.

Raised £500 by running the Taunton Half Marathon

Health and wellbeing

As some aspects of the project required work at heights, we employed the services of ‘Vertical Height Training’ and conducted specialised toolbox talks to cover the issues of working at height. We also carried out Safety and Environment training with our supply chain.

Through this, and other measures, we were able to achieve the highest health and safety score from Cornwall Council’s Health and Safety Manager. They will now enforce some of our health and safety initiatives on other sites in the area.

Held specialist working at height training

Completed: October 2012

Customer: Cornwall Council

Architects: Bailey Partnership

Mechanical & Electrical consultants: Hulley & Kirkwood

Structural Engineer: Hyder Consulting

Project Manager: EC Harris

Quantity Surveyor: EC Harris

One of the best projects carried out for Cornwall Council, finished to a very high standard internally and externally. Very impressive attention to detail.